Package for Package

[Fastpaks]

I'm looking at buying my first dSLR Camera. My family has always been a Nikon, and I'm looking at the following bundles

From Sams

$899- Nikon -5100
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod4210102&navAction=push#desc

Costco
nikon- 5100
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...11659644&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=7&lang=en-US

Nikon - 3100
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

Seems to me the only Difference in the Sams and Costco 5100s bundles are costco has a 4g card included. So the question is I can afford the 5100 for $899 Though it will stretch my budget a little. The 3100 is no stretch at all.

My tax return was supposed to be back by now and that is really all I'm waiting on atm. Hopefully it will make it by feb 25th.

 

[Fastpaks]

So I just noticed that the Costco bundle has a 55-300mm Nikkor AF-S DX VR Lenses. The Sams comes with a Nikon AF-S DX VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED. 1k is over my budget for the one at costco but would you hold off buying a 5100 b/c of the lens difference and buy a 3100 instead with lesser price but similar lenses?

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd base my decision first on the body. I've got the 3100 right now, but will be shortly upgrading to the 5100 because of the new features. I'm particularly interested in the articulated display which will let me more easily frame pictures with the camera held above my head or down low.

As far as the lens, I've got the 55-200 with mine but seldom use it for my shooting. Most of the pictures I take are with the shorter 18-55 lens. But, having said that, the lens I lust after is the 18-200. So you ask, why that lens when you just said you don't use the 55-200 much? I guess the reason I don't use that lens much is that I really hate changing lenses in the field - almost as much as I hate carrying around two different lenses. So the 18-200 will give me that extra zoom when I do want it without the inconvenience.